Is staying SINGLE a vocation?

[@helena_augusta]

I'm slowly learning to accept my singleness. I'm slowly learning I can make a gift of myself through my work. It took over a decade of spiritual Veruca Salt temper tantrums to get to this point. I do not recommend going through the 5 stages of grief simply because God did not call you to the vocation you wanted!

[@figureitout7026]

i understand you so well

[@chrisobrien6254]

Because you’re single doesn’t mean that you were meant to remain so anymore than a person is meant to remain unemployed

[@chrisobrien6254]

How old are you? I’m assuming you’re female because of the flower 😳. If you’re still young you should go out and find a date

[@helena_augusta]

@@chrisobrien6254 Early 40s. I don't use dating apps or drink in bars.

[@chrisobrien6254]

@@helena_augusta I mean I wouldn’t necessarily advocate for meeting people at bars, although I do know good catholic couples that happen to meet that way; but maybe the fact that you’re not using dating apps is part of your problem. I mean that would certainly increase your chances at the very least. I mean most people are meeting each other that way these days because people are having to work so hard to just scars or by these days. You wanna find someone, why not try a dating app? If you really want something you’ll go for it, you don’t wait for it to come to you. That’s the way the world is designed. There are many good people on dating apps these days that are waiting to find a good healthy relationship

[@BrianPalmer-ix3pr]

I'm 63 Yrs. Old. It Is Obvious That Being Single Is My Calling.

[@markcharron]

This is the video that answers so many questions for me. This is truly the video for SSA people to watch, because this is the call of love many of them are called to... single, unconsecrated, gift of self for others... other men, other women even.

[@SavannahTheWolf]

Single vocation is found when discerned, it is a broad one, because it can have a rich and wide variety of charisms, look at Saints and Blesseds Catherine of Siena, OP Rose of Lima, OP, Jose Gregorio Hernández, OFS, Pier Giorgio Frasatti. I once had that conflict of feeling my vocation in life (because I haven't felt called in any way to marriage or priesthood) was invalid, and that I was a failure just because I haven't got to marriage or priesthood, and I talked to a priest, he told me wise words; what God doesn't want is people without any commitment in life. The good news is there is plenty of ways to live the VOWS of baptism (yes, baptism is the first and wider vocation on which the other ones are based on, and yes, baptism is a vow) like enriching the experience by discerning call to a charism as a layperson (not changing state canonically), or pursuing holiness in daily life as St Josemaria Escrivá has stated on his books, and also the message of Opus Dei. Vocation is not only wearing very pretty roman dresses, wearing a ring and wearing a cross, it comprehends a long way, and discernment, renounce and commitment, that's what it is about. Marriage is not just marrying someone, it's meeting, loving each other, you are the congregation you both and your children, that takes commitment As well, single lay vocation can have commitment, making a consecration, taking private vows, taking formation in theology, doing apostolates, working on a decent and signified life, all of that is involved in a commitment. You make the commitment :)

[@JohnR.T.B.]

Just want to share; "His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”" ~ (Matthew 19: 10-12)

[@StevClifSylv]

I needed to watch this! I've been in a relationship before but it's been two years since my breakup. This gives me confidence to take pressure off my mind and accept where I am in the present moment, with my family, friends and community. Thank you for sharing, and God bless!

[@elijahmary1515]

Beautiful reflection Christopher, thank you! For those who are single, there are vocational calls, for women as Consecrated Virgins,j a fully recognized VOCATION in the Church, also Secular Institutes for both men and women who long for a consecrated giving of self within the Church!

[@thealternativevlog]

I'm a lifelong single person and a punk rock drummer.

[@alvaradoac21]

I can’t accept singleness. I don’t feel God’s presence in my isolation. I only feel stronger doubt in the faith, and greater loneliness.

[@yahoosierindiana5164]

Jesus was single.

[@larrymelman]

In this modern age when parishes have forgotten how to be actual functioning communities, more and more single Catholics are (using your term) "single by circumstance" and unable to do anything about it. Until we admit this very fundamental problem, our parishes will continue to collapse as our seniors die off and very very few new families come up to replace them. We don't need theoretical theological silliness, we need social events like the CYO and the parish carnival to return. Otherwise, the cause is lost.

[@bruno-bnvm]

calm down and trust God

[@allenwinston9225]

The Theology of the Body. Are merchants of religion. They sell books, seminars, and retreats etc. Great sales people. They give a long list of pious actions. Sorry I have to say this. No practical action to help men and women desiring holy courting. Parishes have no action for singles of all ages for activities encouraging courting and marriages.

[@RHSTang]

Thank you for the truth that sets us free.

[@paddyhowley3456]

The lord himself was a single man

[@stephenlopez5950]

Thanks so much for these videos. They have been helping me a lot 🙏🏽

[@Contrary_Mary]

I am a 28 year old woman, completely in love with Jesus, with no desire for marriage and no ability to join religious life. I want to let all of you know, that YES, singleness is a vocation. I have tried dating, and I know many good and holy men that are single. However I don’t desire to marry any of them. And no, I am not same sex attracted. Some of us are just NOT called to marriage, (me included). To those who desire marriage and are struggling to find a spouse, and are struggling with their current situation, I pray that you find your peace in Jesus. Marriage doesn’t solve everything, I know this from watching the marriages around me. Marriage can be good and holy, but only if Jesus is at the center of it. I am discerning making a permanent vow of consecrated singleness. I will say this: every vocation has its crosses to bear. Mine happens to be loneliness, as many don’t or won’t understand my vocation, and often I am “left alone” for being different than what’s expected or normal. But here’s the good thing about carrying our crosses, Jesus is beside us, carrying most of it. God bless you all. I hope someone reads this and is encouraged to explore their vocation.

[@TheologyoftheBodyInstitute]

Thank you for sharing your journey and encouragement with us!

[@providentia3103]

I guess Mr. West is married and lectures about being single. Does he really understand really what it means to be single say at 40?

[@eoinMB3949]

The drama! This is what I've seen with so many single Christians. The melodramatic "You just don't understand!!!!". Give it a break please. If you see being single as some sort of affliction or something to be endured it means you've completely missed the point of the Christian life. And it also is a reflection of your relationship (or lack thereof) with God

[@karlheven8328]

​@@eoinMB3949😂 I find it quite judgemental of you to respond in this way. Why would his loneliness be because he is not praying enough? Cmon, seems like you can'z empathize enough

[@eoinMB3949]

@karlheven8328 I never said anything about "not praying enough". I said his feelings of loneliness were a reflection of his true relationship with God. That's a matter of the heart. When God is number 1 in your heart, the creator, you don't feel lonely, but when the creation(a person) is number 1 then you'll suffer loneliness. Put God first, above people and see what happens to those feelings of loneliness.... .they vanish

[@brandyglines8764]

When you are a divorced single person,, you have no vocation, just condemned to loneliness......

[@mmuench74]

I’m so sorry. I understand (to some extent) how you feel, although I’ve never been married. I’m just a “single by circumstance” in my late 40’s with no prospects, and can empathize with your sentiments. 🙏

[@DavidMatias79]

I'm sorry you feel this way Brandy. I went through a divorce as well but it's not our identity. We are The Father's children and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. My failed attempt at marriage was declared null by the Church and I am free to pursue my vocation to Holy Matrimony. I have every hope this desire will be fulfilled. I won't give up on it. In the meantime, I do my best in this state. I pray you find healing and hope.

[@blixsnix792]

God love and bless you. There is going to be intense loneliness. I hope sharing Christ's loneliness and longing for His spouse will let you grow closer to Him because of it. I also hope you don't feel lonelier than you need to be. You may be the person another needs as a friend, mentor, teacher, etc. A lot of single Catholic people (young and old) would love to spend time with you.

[@letticiamariscal8612]

Brandy, that’s not true . I’m a divorced woman who hasn’t had a date in years and yes I get a little lonely but Mr. West is right. Love and find GOD In your ❤️you will be happy. God will send you someone when HE thinks the time is right. I no longer long for a spouse. Because GOD fills that role. I just wait and be patient.

[@letticiamariscal8612]

Dr. West, thank you. I understand now.

[@emanuelandrade2779]

Im single for circustance. I cannot financialy affoard a wife and /or a family :)

[@caruya]

Opus Dei has similar message :)

[@LuciaMartinez-yv9hv]

Great! Thank you.

[@d.o.7784]

Let’s not mix theology with sexual desires, that are purely earthly and body related.

[@delnageorge2516]

Thank you God bless you Amen🙏

[@lauradahlus]

Thank you. 😇

[@calaf1816]

How about gay man staying in single who never had any relationship with any one.

[@beckydiaz4225]

Your not gay if your not following the lifestyle.

[@beckydiaz4225]

Don't define yourself by a mental disorder.

[@israeliana]

​​@@beckydiaz4225you should teach them the term rather than give a vague correction. The term is Same Sex Attraction, SSA. It means you're attracted to your gender, whether you're any letter in LGBTQ. However being gay is more about labeling your identity as your sexuality, where as our identity is in God as His children. The Catholic Church teaches that having SSA is not a sin, but *acting* on that attraction is. So living a homosexual lifestyle is what one would consider as gay/lesbian usually in the traditional sense. For more details look at the Catechism teaching on the purpose of sex (unitive + procreative) and why it is meant for marriage.

[@Contrary_Mary]

@@israelianawell said, thank you for clarifying. I myself I consider “asexual” and “aromantic”, but don’t consider myself to be part of the lgbt movement. I am single by circumstance and by choice.

[@middleb33st]

No, singlehood is not a vocation. I think the people in the church who say that are just doing so to hide from addressing the marriage crisis. The overwhelming majority of people who are single today don't willingly choose it. It's a failure of the culture and the Church to preserve marriage as an institution, and to keep marriages flourishing.

[@Justyouraverageguy172]

Exactly! Thats why younger people are leaving the Church because they feel unheard and misunderstood especially with unwanted singleness. The gift of singleness is obvious in that you have no desire for a marriage, sex, and children. I am in unwanted singleness myself at age 28 as a man since secularism also influences the Church and tells women that you have to go for the man who has the money and everything you want and nothing less. It’s a huge misunderstood crisis that older people and generations are completely clueless about.

[@allenwinston9225]

You should look up the secular men's lecturer George Bruno. He helped me tremendously.

[@Luke-ms5hn]

@@Justyouraverageguy172”the gift of singleness is obvious in that you no desire for a marriage,sex, and children” that’s not true. That’s actually a sign of disorder. In Priesthood candidates ( who are called to celibacy) it is seen as armed flag to not desire marriage, sex, and children

[@Justyouraverageguy172]

@@Luke-ms5hnI have way too much disordered sexual desire as a man in my singleness to be a priest and I am just being honest here because I am not going to take a vow of celibacy that I know I would be tempted and struggle not to break before God and men. I much rather control my sexual desire first and direct it towards marriage if I can’t using it to love someone other than myself in the context of matrimony.

[@applin121]

A married guy telling single guys that everything is a vocation? Right.

[@wms72]

There will be no spousal meaning of the body in the next life?

[@mmvr2680]

@Chiyo Next Door Have you heard of Resurrection? There are two bodies (and souls) in Heaven, already. The ‘new Adam’ and the ‘new Eve’.

[@bruno-bnvm]

@@chiyonextdoor2258 That's unchristian. Body and Soul get resurrected.

[@reverendcoffinsotherson5807]

No. Lol.

[@DuckSeason12]

You’re married right? You don’t know anything about single vocation.

[@oksurfer6086]

This guy seems to start well with his “grabber” title, but then veers back into promoting marriage. Ever notice that we are ALL affected by this degenerate culture and marriage as an institution is on the rocks? Marriage is a crapshoot with severe life-destroying consequences for the man if it fails.

[@mmvr2680]

I encourage you to get to know him and his family, as well as his and their work, better. You will most probably change your mind.

[@chrisobrien6254]

Please….😑If Singleness is a Vocation then unemployment is a career 😑

[@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu]

Hey I've been single all my life, currently 34. God has blessed me in my singleness. I guess "unemployment" isn't that bad after all. Dedicate yourself to a hobby, serve at your church, get into a community group. Only by doing these things you realize how great singleness can be.

[@chrisobrien6254]

@@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu a non single person can do all of those things. The fact that you can make the best of it hardly makes it a vocation. Have you seen the movie “the Birdman of Alcatraz”??. That guy learns to make the best of life imprisonment. That doesn’t it make it a vocation.

[@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu]

@@chrisobrien6254 I think it's important than to change your perspective, your mindset of what you believe God can do. You don't seem to believe in God or put your trust in Him therefore you will more than likely go through life confused and frustrated because you thought life will go the way you wanted. The ability to adapt, to change, to accept what is, helps a person endure and persevere in any circumstance. God is able to help a person in his singleness, in his imprisonment, in his marriage. He is able to help you make it purposesful. I'm living out my purpose in my singleness. You want a vocation? I think you should ask God what He wants you to do. Don't fight against him, collaborate with him.

[@chrisobrien6254]

@@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu oh my…😑 ok first first of all there are many problems with your reasoning here. But for now I’ll just ask this….you’re stooping so low and desperate to defend your point that you are implying that I do not believe in God because have a different perspective on this than you do? Yikes!

[@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu]

@@chrisobrien6254 your perspective is not based off of what the Bible says I'll just say that. Also, you're quick to defend your own perspective in regard to what this video is saying that you don't realize the truth in what the video is saying. Correlating singleness with unemployment?? That's a new one honestly. Take your eyes off yourself and your circumstances and then God will allow you to see what you need to see, in order for you to live a life worthy of your "vocation". Singleness, married, ect. That's what I did, and I've been thriving ever since. Btw I have two brothers (one twin, one older) who are married with children. For a while I let it get to me, but after much prayer God became my sustainer in all ways. Even regarding my sexual urges. I'm not overcome with lust or bound by sin. I'm free.

[@jacobrodriguez7771]

Vows are what it’s all about. A single doctor doesn’t take vows, thus it is not a vocation. Become a priest/nun or get married.